Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.
How long the Post-Graduation Work Permit takes after you graduate, by application channel
Current Time
~90-180 days online inland; 4-7 months paper or from outside Canada
Last Updated
2026-05-02
Trend
Times are stable
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) processing time in Canada is approximately 90-180 days for online inland applications as of May 2026. Paper applications and applications submitted from outside Canada run longer, typically 4-7 months. IRCC does not publish a single PGWP service standard in its monthly Flpt JSON; processing varies by application channel, completeness of documentation, and whether the program of study qualifies under the 2024-2026 field-of-study eligibility list.
To qualify for a PGWP you must have completed a full-time program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), graduated from a PGWP-eligible program (the field-of-study list updated in late 2024 narrowed eligibility for many college programs), held valid status throughout your studies, and applied within 180 days of graduation. The work permit is valid for the same length as your study program, up to a maximum of three years.
Applying online while still inside Canada with valid student status (or while on the 90-day visitor period after status expiry) is the fastest path. Applying from outside Canada requires a fresh visa office assessment and pushes processing times to the upper end of the range. Files flagged for additional review (program eligibility uncertainty, missing transcripts, language test gaps for university programs) extend processing past 180 days.
Track how processing times have changed over recent months
May 2026
90-180 days online inland
Q1 2026
100-200 days online inland
Q4 2025
120-220 days online inland
Q3 2025
150-240 days online inland
Q2 2025
120-200 days online inland
2024 Average
100-180 days online inland
Understanding these factors can help you prepare a stronger application
Application channel (online inland is fastest; paper and outside-Canada are slower)
Whether your program of study is on the PGWP-eligible field-of-study list (2024-2026 update narrowed eligibility for many college programs)
Completeness of transcript and graduation confirmation from your DLI
Follow these best practices to keep your application moving smoothly
Apply online from inside Canada the moment you receive your final transcript or graduation letter from your DLI
Confirm your program is on the IRCC PGWP field-of-study list before assuming eligibility
Take an approved language test (IELTS General, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) before submitting if you graduated from a university program
Common questions about PGWP processing times
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Check processing times for related immigration programs
Work with an RCIC-licensed consultant to ensure your application is complete and processed without unnecessary delays.
Our RCIC-licensed consultants can help you prepare a complete application to avoid delays and ensure smooth processing.
RCIC License: R515110
Language test results if you graduated from a university program (a 2024 IRCC change requires CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college)
Status validity at the time of application (in-status vs. restoration vs. visitor period)
Background and security checks for some applicants
Apply within 180 days of graduation; missing this window forfeits PGWP eligibility permanently
Maintain valid status while waiting; you can work on implied status if your study permit was valid when you applied
Keep a digital copy of your DLI's official transcript and graduation letter ready
Current processing time